Summary
You can change the DNS server to improve website loading time as well as reliability, privacy, and security of your browsing data. We have highlighted different DNS servers in this blog and compared them to help you choose the best DNS server in 2026
If you are facing issues with websites taking time to load despite a fast internet connection, it is time to change the default DNS server provided by your ISP. The DNS server, which stands for Domain Name System, is the Internet’s address book. When you enter a website address in English, the browser uses DNS records to resolve the corresponding IP address and then connects to the website. However, if the DNS resolution is slow or unreliable, then there can be delays in loading websites on your PC.
Did you know that you can easily switch your ISP’s default DNS server to a faster and secure public DNS service to improve the DNS lookup times, reliability, and privacy? Let us compare different DNS servers and understand which one will be more suitable for you.
What Is a DNS Server?
A DNS converts domain names that are easy to remember and mostly in English into a bunch of numbers, also known as IP addresses, that your PC understands. It would be difficult for you to remember numbers like 172.217.19.164, which stands for www.Google.com, that is easy to remember.
The DNS server is an address book that contains the names and their corresponding numbers. This address book is assigned by the internet service provider and is functional but may not necessarily be the fastest option. On the other hand, public DNS providers have large global networks that are designed to handle DNS queries in a swift and simple manner. One such commonly used public DNS server is Google Public DNS, which uses Google’s globally distributed infrastructure to reduce DNS delays.
Best DNS Servers in 2026
We have selected four DNS servers out of the many available as the best DNS servers in 2026. Here is a quick summary before the detailed explanation that follows.
| DNS Provider | Primary DNS | Secondary DNS | Best For |
| Cloudflare DNS | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Speed and privacy |
| Google DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Reliability |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Security |
| Cloudflare Families | 1.1.1.2 | 1.0.0.2 | Malware protection |
1. Cloudflare DNS
Primary: 1.1.1.1
Secondary: 1.0.0.1
One of the best DNS servers to improve speed in 2026 is Cloudflare DNS. This is an overall strong option, and the standard primary resolver (1.1.1.1) does not sell user data to advertisers. This resolver maintains fast DNS lookups and privacy by operating the service across hundreds of cities worldwide. It also supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT).
Best for: Users who want a combination of speed, privacy, and reliability.
2. Google DNS
Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 8.8.4.4
The next one on the list of best DNS servers to improve internet speed is Google DNS. It is an excellent choice for everyday browsing. This free global DNS resolution service is designed to replace your ISP’s default DNS. Because Google servers use large-scale caching, load balancing, and a worldwide network, Google Public DNS reduces DNS lookup latency. It also supports DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS for additional privacy and security.
Best for: Users who want a highly reliable, globally distributed DNS service.
3. Quad9
Primary: 9.9.9.9
Secondary: 149.112.112.112
Quad9 is yet another DNS server that focuses heavily on security and privacy. The recommended resolver blocks all well-known malicious domains and supports DNSSEC validation. Quad9 provides encrypted DNS through DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS.
Best for: Security-conscious users who want malicious-domain blocking.
4. Cloudflare DNS for Families
Primary: 1.1.1.2
Secondary: 1.0.0.2
The last one on the list of best DNS servers is Cloudflare DNS, which provides specialized DNS resolvers designed for families. The `1.1.1.2` service adds automatic malware and phishing protection. What most people don’t know is that another option, `1.1.1.3` and `1.0.0.3`, exists that blocks malware and adult content.
Best for: Families and users who want additional content filtering.
How to Find the Best DNS Server for Your Location
Your location, Internet Service Provider, routing of network traffic, congestion, and proximity of your device to the resolver all affect DNS speed. This is why the best DNS server for you in one city might not be the fastest in another city. Do not believe the online ranking lists that say one company provides the best DNS service.
Modifying DNS servers on Windows 11
In case you wish to try a different DNS service provider in Windows 11, here is how to manually modify the DNS settings.
- Launch Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Access Network & Internet.
- Choose either Wi-Fi or Ethernet, according to your internet connection.
- Tap on your network.
- Locate the assignment of DNS servers and tap Edit.
- Tap on Manual.
- Switch on IPv4.
- Input your DNS addresses.
- Tap on Save.
Some options would be to use Cloudflare’s addresses such as:
Preferred DNS: `1.1.1.1`
Alternate DNS: `1.0.0.1`
Or Google:
Preferred DNS: `8.8.8.8`
Alternate DNS: `8.8.4.4`
It is advised by Google to use at least two different DNS addresses for the same service, not just enter the same DNS twice.
Does Changing DNS Really Make the Internet Faster?
The DNS server will primarily affect the amount of time that it takes for you to find your name, but there is no connection between the speed of your Internet download/upload and your DNS. That means, even if your internet speed is 100 Mbps, it will not automatically increase to 500 Mbps due to the changed DNS.
That said, the DNS server that is faster at resolving names will reduce the amount of time required by your browser to connect to a website or application. However, if your internet speed is very slow, it will not be because of your DNS.
Which DNS Server Should You Choose?
Speaking of speed, efficiency, privacy, and accessibility, Cloudflare DNS should be viewed as one of the best options to consider. However, if you want a DNS that can make use of existing global infrastructure, then Google DNS is just the right choice. If you require more privacy and protection from malicious websites, then you should opt for Quad9 DNS. However, the only perfect solution here is to perform a DNS benchmarking on your own.
Final Words
The replacement of existing DNS servers with new ones can be considered one of the simplest and most effective methods of increasing your Internet connection performance. Cloudflare DNS, Google DNS, and Quad9 are all fine choices, but the one that would provide you with the highest performance would depend on your location and specific network. You should conduct tests with various DNS servers with the help of DNS benchmarking tools in order to determine the one that would suit you best in terms of performance, reliability, security, and privacy. It is important to remember that DNS is not an Internet turbocharger – it merely helps your device to reach its destination faster.